Maribyrnong keen to be clean and green
Published on 01 August 2019
Maribyrnong Councillors endorsed several sustainability initiatives at this week’s Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 31 July, which reinforce Council’s position on climate change, as we strive to be a clean, healthy city for people to access open spaces, cleaner air and water.
Climate Emergency Plan
Since stepping up its position on global warming earlier in the year, Maribyrnong City Council is now calling on the community to help us develop a Climate Emergency Plan.
Residents who have a keen interest in climate change are urged to nominate for the Climate Community Advisory Group. The Group will be comprised of residents and representatives from key stakeholder and community groups from across the municipality to advise Council on the development and implementation of the new Plan.
Once complete the plan will outline how Council and community can work together to can mitigate the severity of climate change and to adapt to its current and future impacts.
Residents of the City of Maribyrnong will be able to vote on the eligible candidates. Register to receive updates for community engagement opportunities in relation to the Climate Emergency Plan at www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au
Waste Management Policy and Toward Zero Waste Strategy
2019 has bought with it significant changes within the recycling market and waste and resource recovery industry. To address these new challenges the Waste Management Policy and Toward Zero Waste Strategy have been developed to respond and highlight opportunities for Council in waste management and resource recovery. Both documents are ambitious, change-leading and reflect the new targets to achieve a waste diversion rate of 60% by 2030 and move toward zero waste to landfill by 2050.
Council endorsed the new Waste Management Policy at Wednesday night’s meeting, while the community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the new Toward Zero Waste Strategy prior to it being finalised.
Local Government Power Purchasing Agreement
Maribyrnong has joined forces with 38 Victorian Councils in a Local Government Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA), which will provide us with an opportunity to reduce energy costs and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
A PPA is a financial arrangement that allows an organisation to purchase renewable energy that is generated either on their premises or off-site.
The collective electricity load of the 39 participating councils, provides a great opportunity to secure the best possible pricing from the market; and is expected to commence on the 1 July 2020.
Solar Access Program
Eligible pensioners and low income households will soon be able to access more affordable solar power installation and save on their electricity bills, through the Solar Savers program.
The program allows eligible residents to access the Solar Savers bulk buy program, with the associated low-interest loan for pensioners and low income cardholders. This will put solar power within the reach of residents who otherwise may not have been capable of paying up front costs and provide a discounted rate for other residents who choose to participate.
Utilising solar energy has added environmental benefits including reducing the amount of electricity, and pollution, from coal or gas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To find out if you are eligible to access the Solar Savers program visit www.solarsavers.org.au or call 03 9385 8512.
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